We have more in common than not
We are at the end of 2021 and society’s best and worst qualities are on display. The continued dedication and selflessness of healthcare workers caring for those with COVID-19 stands out to me, as well as the determined outreach and education efforts to encourage and empower people to get vaccinated and use other prevention methods to protect themselves, families and communities.

I am grateful for the Public Health Institute of Western MA team and the field of public health. We will continue to highlight the best of our region, point out where more resources and attention are needed, speak the truth about root causes and age old hate and hurtfulness that continues to manifest in health inequities today, and invite people to come together to solve problems and celebrate the beautiful and loving qualities in each of us. In essence, we have more in common than not.

Let us lift that up in 2022!

Onward,

Jessica Collins
Research & Evaluation
Youth Data from the Community for the Community
The Interactive Youth Health Data Portal now includes 2019 Survey Data! The Portal allows users to graph data from the 2015, 2017, and 2019 Springfield Youth Health Surveys, as well as explore responses to questions by gender, race/ethnicity, and LGBTQ status. Although data is available for multiple years, caution should be exercised when looking at results over time since the wording of questions and participation rates vary from year to year.

The Springfield Youth Health Survey is conducted every other year among 8th grade students enrolled in Springfield Public Schools. It is part of the Springfield Youth Health Survey Initiative, a collaboration of the Gándara Center, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services.

Youth from Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services were part of planning team for the 2019 survey and provided feedback, such as adding questions about experiencing discrimination. Youth continue to be engaged through Beat the Odds youth mental health coalition and are helping to think through how to disseminate 2021 data. We are looking to switch to a new platform for 2021 data. Stay tuned for information!
Learn how the pandemic has impacted your community
The COVID Community Impact Survey was conducted to better understand the most pressing health needs facing the Commonwealth due to the pandemic, including the social and economic consequences. Data is available on topics ranging from experiences with COVID-19 to basic needs, access to healthcare, pandemic-related changes in employment, impacts on mental health, substance use, discrimination, intimate partner violence, and more.

There is a wealth of data available, and we want to help you understand and use it! Do you need help interpreting the data? Do you want to look at specific data in your area? Learn more about how we can assist you to help you take action.
Mental Health & The Holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time. You are not alone. If you are struggling, reach out for help. To find resources near you, go to the 413Cares mental health resource guide
Coalition Building
Aunt Bertha is Now FindHelp
Aunt Bertha, the national platform that houses 413Cares.org, has changed its company name to findhelp. They made this change to make it easier for people in need of services to find, understand, and connect to resources. This does not affect how you use and interact with 413Cares.

What You Need to Know:
  • You will now receive emails from findhelp.com
  • Check with your IT department to make sure your email does not block emails coming from the domain @findhelp.com
  • If you have posted the search widget on your website, the code will need to be changed. Here is the new code.
  • Our plan is for the new email domain to change on Dec.15th.
Winter Farmers' Market
COVID-19 News & Resources
At-Home COVID Tests for High-Need Communities
The Baker Administration is sending more than two million COVID-19 rapid at-home antigen tests around the Bay State, and 19 communities in western Massachusetts will be getting them. The concentration of these testing resources will be focused on low-income communities. These tests can help reduce the spread of COVID as the Omicron variant becomes more widespread. These free tests will be available for distribution to the public by each municipality, with an emphasis on increasing access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship. Read the press release.
COVID-19 Testing
Traveling or gathering for the holidays? Have symptoms? Someone you were with has tested positive?
COVID information in Spanish
We are excited to make COVID-19 information more accessible on our website by offering content translated in Spanish. In addition to a Google translate toggle on every web page, the following COVID pages have been formally translated into Spanish:
COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters
Anyone 5 and older can now receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. People age 5-17 can receive the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any vaccine. The vaccine is FREE!

Everyone 18 and older in Massachusetts is now eligible for booster shots! Learn more.
COVID-19 Data
Visit the Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard for the latest COVID-19 data for the region.
Policy Advocacy
2021 Policy Wins for Health Equity
The Massachusetts Public Health Association along with partners and legislative allies have achieved many significant victories over the past year addressing health equity in Massachusetts. Below are some of the policy wins achieved this year:

  • Successfully advocating for $200M in federal ARPA funding to improve Massachusetts’ local public health system. These funds were recently allocated in the House and Senate Conference Committee’s ARPA bill and will be used to establish 21st-century data systems, invest in workforce development, and create a consistent level of health services across municipalities;
 
  • Securing the first ever line-item in the state budget for local public health. This $21M allocation represents an important step forward in our effort to make state funding available every year to support the work of local public health departments and boards of health;
 
  • Co-founding the Vaccine Equity Now! Coalition to make data on vaccine inequities more visible and contribute policy guidance to the state for a more equitable response. Through relentless advocacy and consistent media outreach, the Coalition has ensured that the state continues to dedicate resources to communities hardest hit by the pandemic;
 
  • Extending the nation’s strongest moratorium on evictions and foreclosures through October of 2020 and advocating for the COVID Housing Equity Bill and additional measures to stop mass eviction; and
 
  • Enacting the COVID-19 emergency sick leave bill, which requires employers to make paid leave time available to employees for COVID-related illnesses, quarantine and vaccinations. The law provides $75M in funding which can be used until April 1, 2022.
Healthy Aging with a Criminal Record in Hampden County
Having a criminal record (CORI) creates barriers for older adults and others who are trying to access affordable housing. On December 8th, 2021 Live Well Springfield, the Public Health Institute of Western MA, MOCHA's Lamont Scott, and New North Citizens' Council's Richard Johnson hosted a presentation to share findings and recommendations from our recent health impact assessment about the use of Criminal Offender Registration Information (CORIs) in housing decisions.

The presentation provided residents and partners with an overview of the Health Impact Assessment process, key results, recommendations for policy and systems change, and resources available through Community Legal Aid and Way Finders.
Join our Team!
We are looking to fill the position of Director, Data to Policy Action. Join our team as we work to ensure that all people in our region have what they need to lead healthy lives. Visit our website for more information.
In Case You Missed It...
  • Race and Health Equity Resource Guide: Last month we shared our new Race and Health Equity Resource Guide, an effort spearheaded by our Board's Race and Health Equity Committee. We hope others use this resource to strengthen their understanding of race and health equity and as a guide for difficult conversations. In the coming months, we will be sharing stories about how people are using these resources. Stay tuned!
  • Jessica Collins Interviewed on BusinessTalk Podcast: BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively, wide-ranging discussion with Jessica Collins, one of BusinessWest’s recently named Women of Impact for 2021. The two talk about everything that went into this honor, from her passion for public health to her remarkable track record for forging collaborative efforts to address some of the most pressing public health issues facing our region. Listen Now!